By Michele Brown | August 10, 2025
Vietnam: Da Lat City Letter
The first letter is written in English to understand the content of the Vietnamese letter. We only send the Vietnamese version; not the English version.
The English version is ‘not’ for sending because Da Lat officials do not read English.
The second letter is written in Vietnamese. Its the letter ‘to send’ to Da Lat City Officials.
FDM Directors Michele and Wendy were at Da Lat City Square to witness first hand what the dogs were forced to endure every day from brutal owners, and from tourists who saw the dogs as toys to use for photos of themselves.
(A) DA LAT CITY OFFICIALS DO ‘NOT’ READ ENGLISH. Please do ‘not’ send the English version.
(B) Scroll down past the English version for the VIETNAMESE LETTER to send.
English version 'NOT' to send
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Independence – Freedom – Happiness
Ho Chi Minh City, July 22nd, 2025
Dear Da Lat City Government,
Da Lat City shines as one of Vietnam’s premier tourist destinations – a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub full of energy, natural beauty and old world charm. Surrounded by rolling green mountains and winding streams, it should be a place of wonder and delight for visitors from around the world.
At first glance the City Square lives up to that promise. Tourists climb the grand staircase expecting fun and festivity across its sprawling plaza. But upon reaching the top many tourists witnessed the unthinkable cruelty that makes their heart ache and their mood instantly shift from joy to overwhelming shock.
There, in the blazing sun, dogs are forced to sit upright all day long. They are not allowed to lie down or rest. If they move, their owners beat and kick them. These dogs live in constant fear – flinching at every shout, knowing pain is never far away. Children play and climb on them like giant stuffed toy animals while the dog owners threaten more violence should the dogs react.
This cruelty unfolds in plain sight – at the heart of a city meant to represent Vietnam’s progress and warmth.
Vietnam has spent decades rebuilding its global image – celebrated for its tourism, cuisine, textiles, and vibrant culture. But scenes like these tarnish that reputation. The root of the problem? A lack of animal protection laws.
When Da Lat City Government stepped in and stopped the abuse in City Square, the world took notice – and applauded. When officials refused to let those same abusers sneak their dogs back into the square, they won further global respect.
But sadly, that progress was short-lived.
Today, the same cruel owners have returned – and this time they remain unchallenged.
Call To Action:
We urge Da Lat City leaders to take a firm and permanent stand against animal cruelty in the City Square.
Reclaim the city’s reputation. Protect the voiceless. Send a message that Vietnam stands for compassion, not cruelty.
Let Da Lat truly shine – not just for its beauty, but for its humanity.
Sincerely,
[Last name] [First name]
Vietnamese letter 'TO' send
Copy and paste the Vietnamese version (below) onto your email.
Sign the letter with your name.
Email to: [email protected]
CỘNG HÒA XÃ HỘI CHỦ NGHĨA VIỆT NAM
